iPad 5 Release Date Could be as Early as March 2013?

The fifth generation of Apple's iPad is speculated to be released this month as new rumours claimed that the company is following its original schedule.

A latest report that hit the web Monday saying the iPad 5 would feature some of the design traits of the smaller version of the flagship tablet -- iPad mini.

Rumours claimed that the new iPad could arrive as early as March 2013 in the hope that it could salvaged Apple's plummeting earnings.

Other reports claimed that the fifth generation of the Apple's tablet will be release in June.

Last week, leaked images of the supposed iPad 5 cases emerged online hint the imminent release date of the tablet. 

Tech website Business Insider has obtained the first image of the case, which could reveal the look, size and shape of the new tablet.

A representative from mobile accessory manufacturer MiniSuit told BI that his company invests in tips regarding the release of future mobile products. He thinks the latest info he received is pretty accurate; hence the production of the iPad 5 case along with the iPad Mini and iPad 4 cases. 

Following the reports showing new iPad 5 cases that indicate a revised design, a substantial number of new iPad 5 cases have appeared on e-commerce site Alibaba.com.

The cases, specifically touted for the as-yet-unannounced iPad 5, show a similar design to those revealed in the initial report, indicating that they have been engineered for an iPad with squarer edges that the current generation iPad.

The new cases also contain an additional hole in the top center of the case, likely for a microphone, as well as slots for speakers positioned either side of the Lightning connector instead of just on one side.

The iPad 5 is rumoured to have no bezels, and the whole form factor has been made sleeker. Horowitz believes this design indicates that Apple will be calling on Sharp's IGZO screen technology. Sharp, however, according to Horowitz, has been struggling, and its ability to deliver components on time will play a key role in the release of the next iPad.